Skopje, 22 January 2024 (MIA) - Priorities and reforms that we implement and lead to EU, overall faster development, growth, improved standard of living, and are also supported by EU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) were discussed at Monday's meeting of Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi and EBRD's Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe, Charlotte Ruhe.

"Today, North Macedonia is hosting a leaders' meeting dedicated to the Growth Plan for Western Balkans. The activities carried out by all stakeholders for the realization of this significant instrument are efficient, and this meeting should be an additional incentive for its realization. As a country that is part of the region and the Growth Plan, we have a serious and responsible approach to its implementation. Namely, upcoming reforms that we are defining together with our EU partners and for which we receive support from EBRD," said Minister Besimi.

He expressed gratitude for the support that this international financial institution has shared with North Macedonia in the progress and realization of large infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.

"Only a month ago, through the Western Balkans Investment Framework and IPA programme, together with the European Investment Bank, EBRD, and EU we finalized the financial of the last section of the railway leading to Bulgaria. With their support, we ensured funds for this decades-long project. There are other projects on the list, and we especially expect support in the energy sector and our transition to green energy," Besimi stressed.

Interlocutors also discussed additional financing of around EUR 100 million for the natural gas interconnector with Greece, an important project for North Macedonia that will ensure stability in the supply and diversification of sources, including the Sveti Nikole-Veles and Gostivar-Kichevo pipelines.

EBRD has supported the country in implementing 175 projects worth EUR 2.7 billion, of which 87 percent are in the public sector. Currently, the portfolio of projects under implementation is EUR 819 million, including the Corridor VIII motorway sections Bukojchani-Kichevo, Kriva Palanka-Bulgaria, Skopje-Blace motorway section, Kumanovo-Bulgaria border railway section, Tabanovce joint border crossing, projects for water treatment plants, regional landfills, photovoltaic power plants etc. ssh/ik/

Photo: Ministry of Finance